Azad Kashmir's best-known viewpoints and lakes sit above the road, reachable only by 4x4 on tracks too rough for a normal car. This guide covers the main jeep safari routes: Ratti Gali Lake, Noori Top, Shounter Pass, Taobat and Ganga Choti, with what each track involves, roughly what a jeep costs, and when the routes are open.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Season | June to September for all five routes |
| Easiest track | Ganga Choti, from Sudhan Gali |
| Hardest track | Shounter Pass, from Kel |
| Typical jeep cost | Roughly PKR 3,500 to 15,000 depending on route and group size (2026) |
| Booking | Hired locally at the trailhead town; no advance booking needed in most cases |
Ratti Gali Lake, from Dowarian
The jeep track to Ratti Gali Lake starts at Dowarian in the Neelum valley and climbs steeply through forest and alpine meadow before reaching the lake basin at around 3,600 metres. It is the single most popular jeep safari in Azad Kashmir, and jeeps queue at Dowarian through the summer season.
A round-trip jeep from Dowarian has cost in the range of PKR 13,000 to 15,500 for a group of seven or eight sharing one vehicle in recent seasons, with smaller groups paying more per head; prices move with fuel costs and demand, so confirm the current rate before boarding. Our guide to Ratti Gali Lake covers the walk from the jeep drop-off to the lake itself.
Noori Top, from Sharda
Noori Top is a pass at just under 4,000 metres, reached by a 4 to 5 hour jeep track from Sharda in the Neelum valley. The track is closed from around February through May by snow and landslip risk, and is really only dependable from June to September, the same window as most of the other routes here.
It is a longer, more committing day than Ratti Gali, and less crowded as a result. Arrange a jeep and driver in Sharda rather than trying to book ahead, since availability depends on the day's conditions.
Shounter Pass and Shounter Lake, from Kel
The track from Kel up to Shounter Pass, at around 4,400 metres, is the most demanding of the routes covered here. It once connected through to Astore on the Gilgit-Baltistan side, but stretches of that onward track have deteriorated with disuse, particularly near the top, so treat it as a there-and-back trip from Kel rather than a through-route. It is only open for a short summer window, typically May to August, and needs an experienced driver and a jeep in good condition.
Shounter Lake itself, just below the pass, is the usual turnaround point for most day visitors. See our guide to Shounter Lake for more on the lake and the wider valley.
Taobat and beyond
Taobat, at the head of the Neelum valley, is reachable by a mix of paved and unpaved road rather than a dedicated jeep safari track, but a 4x4 is still the sensible choice for the final stretch, and it is often combined with a jeep safari to Ratti Gali or Baboon Valley on the same trip out of Dowarian or Kundal Shahi. Our guide to Taobat covers the village and what's beyond it.
Ganga Choti, from Sudhan Gali
Ganga Choti, in Bagh district, is the gentlest route on this list. The road up to the base camp from Sudhan Gali is paved and manageable in an ordinary car or on a bike; a 4x4 jeep is only needed for the final unpaved stretch to Ganga Lake itself, at around 2,900 metres. Jeeps at Sudhan Gali have cost roughly PKR 3,500 to 5,000 for the return trip in recent seasons.
This makes it a good choice for a first jeep safari, or for a group that includes people who don't want the roughest tracks Neelum valley has to offer.
What a jeep safari day actually involves
- Hire at the trailhead, not in advance. Jeeps and drivers gather at Dowarian, Sharda, Kel and Sudhan Gali through the season, and you agree a price on the day.
- Share a vehicle where you can. Per-jeep pricing means a full jeep of seven or eight works out far cheaper per person than a couple hiring one alone.
- Expect a rough ride. These are unpaved mountain tracks with drop-offs, river crossings on some routes, and no barriers. A jeep and a driver who knows the track is not optional on Shounter or Noori Top.
- Start early. Weather closes in by early afternoon in summer, and a late start on Shounter or Noori Top can mean turning back before the top.
- Carry cash. There are no card machines at any of these trailheads.
Which route suits your group
Ganga Choti suits families and anyone nervous about rough roads. Ratti Gali is the standard choice for most visitors, busy but well set up for it. Noori Top and Shounter Pass are for travellers who specifically want a harder, quieter route and are comfortable with a long day on a demanding track.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book a jeep in advance?
No. Jeeps are hired at the trailhead town itself; Dowarian, Sharda, Kel and Sudhan Gali all have jeeps available through the summer season, though on a busy weekend you may wait for one to free up.
How much does a jeep safari cost in Azad Kashmir?
It depends on the route and group size. Ganga Choti has cost around PKR 3,500 to 5,000 return, and Ratti Gali around PKR 13,000 to 15,500 for a full jeep of seven or eight, in recent seasons. Prices change with fuel costs, so confirm on the day.
When are these jeep tracks open?
Broadly June to September. Noori Top is typically closed from February to May, and Shounter Pass has an even shorter window, often May to August, with both dependent on the year's snowfall.
Can I drive these tracks in my own 4x4?
Some visitors do on Ganga Choti and Ratti Gali, but a local driver who knows the current state of the track is strongly recommended on Shounter Pass and Noori Top, where conditions change through the season and there is little margin for error.
Is jeep safari travel in Azad Kashmir safe?
The tracks themselves demand an experienced driver and carry the usual risks of unpaved mountain roads. Separately, parts of the Neelum valley, including areas near Kel and Taobat, fall within the zone the UK government currently advises against travelling to because of its proximity to the Line of Control. Check our guide on is Azad Kashmir safe to travel and current local advice before planning a route deep into the upper valley.
